If you feel heavy or bloated after eating foods like dal, rajma, or chana, you’re not alone. Many people experience digestive discomfort after eating legumes, and nutrition experts suggest there may be a natural way to ease it: apple cider vinegar (ACV).
Nutritionist Palak Nagpal shared a simple solution using unfiltered apple cider vinegar with “the mother.” This cloudy substance in raw ACV contains natural enzymes, proteins, and good bacteria formed during fermentation. While scientific evidence is still limited, ACV is often recommended as a digestive aid. Its natural acidity may help improve digestion for people with low stomach acid, which in turn can reduce bloating and gas.
Here’s how to use apple cider vinegar properly before meals:
- Mix one tablespoon of raw, unfiltered ACV with the mother
- Always dilute in a large glass of water
- Drink it using a straw to protect your teeth
- Consume 30 minutes before a meal
- Choose high-quality ACV brands (avoid sweet vinegars and gummies)
Palak Nagpal also says that ACV may help regulate post-meal blood sugar and improve gut health. But it should be used as part of a healthy routine, not as a cure-all.
Other helpful tips to reduce bloating:
- Eat legumes in small portions to avoid gas buildup
- Soak legumes before cooking to reduce difficult-to-digest compounds
- Add digestion-friendly spices like cumin or ginger during cooking
- Drink enough water and chew your food slowly
- If bloating continues regularly, consult a doctor to check for other health issues
Making these small changes may help you enjoy your meals without the discomfort of bloating.